Situated on the famous River Thames in south-central England, London, the largest city in the United Kingdom, boasts an iconic skyline and dates back thousands of years to the Roman Empire. The capital city is home to world-class Michelin star restaurants, and four World Heritage sites: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the Palace of Westminster, and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Other phenomenal attractions include Madame Tussauds; the London Eye; the West End Theatres; and premier shopping at several famous markets and iconic department stores. Visitors may also enjoy a river cruise along the Thames past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster, or visit the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and the Science Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace to view the world-famous changing of the guards.
Situated in northern France, Arras, the capital of the historic Artois region, boasts extraordinary heritage architecture, a thriving culinary scene, and an array of interesting art galleries. The town’s two most famous locations are its Grand Place (main square) and Heros Square. Surrounded by Flemish Baroque houses and lined with lively shops, cafes, and galleries, the squares provide wonderful spots to spend leisurely afternoons. Make sure to see the Town Hall, belfry, and the Abbey of St. Vaast arts museum. Other highlights include the wealth of Art Deco buildings, the impressive Quartier des Arts performance venue, the historic Les Boves tunnel network, used in both world wars, and several UNESCO war sites. Make sure to try the Andouillettes (a type of traditional sausage) and the Coeurs d'Arras, little heart-shaped gingerbreads.
Located in western Belgium, in the province of West Flanders, Ypres is a dignified place with a weighty history, and will appeal most to those looking to deepen their understanding of the tragedies of World War I. Most of its sights are spread between its lovely centre - full of charming chocolate shops and local brew houses - and its scenic, though sombre, countryside, which active travellers will find makes a great cycling circuit. Key sights include the Menin Gate Memorial, the Flanders Fields Museum and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, all of which feature moving memorials to the hundreds of thousands of lives lost near Ypres during the closing stages of the Great War. Meanwhile, sights such as the reconstructed Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) and Leperse Vestingen (the city’s ancient fortifications) link the city with antiquity.
Dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its impressive, UNESCO-listed canal system and its location in North Holland, Amsterdam is a truly exciting holiday destination. This is one of the most extensive historic city centres in Europe, playing host to approximately 7,000 registered historic buildings dating back to medieval times. The Museum Quarter brims with priceless works by Dutch Masters, with the occasional Picasso and Warhol thrown into the mix. The upmarket Jordaan area boasts trendy contemporary art galleries, charming boutiques, and world-class restaurants while the 17th-century Canal Ring is dotted with traditional canal houses and prestigious mansions, quaint drawbridges, and some of the city’s premier nightlife spots. Gorgeous parks and botanical gardens and the landmark 22-floor lookout add further romance to the city.
Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany, lies on the banks of the River Isar. A modern hub complete with state-of-the-art skyscrapers and an exciting nightlife scene, the city revels simultaneously in its traditional customs and its sense of innovation. Some of the phenomenal historical attractions include spectacular Schloss Nymphenburg and the grand Residenz Museum, along with countless others. Nicknamed ‘city of art and beer’, Munich is strewn with impressive and diverse galleries (top choices include the Kunstareal Art Quarter and other-worldly Pinakothek der Moderne) and offers sublime beer-tasting opportunities in a variety of wonderful beer houses and gardens. Locals claim this is the culinary capital of the country - make sure to visit the Viktualienmarkt and dedicate some time to the metropolis’ restaurants. Gorgeous parks, jaw-dropping sports venues, and world-famous festivals (including legendary Octoberfest) complete the package.
The gorgeous capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence, lies towards the centre of the country, a tiny city with a massive heart and an even larger supply of artistic and historical treasures. For centuries, travellers have flocked en masse to the birthplace of the Renaissance movement to marvel at its abundant array of grandiose masterworks of architecture and art. Paramount to any itinerary are Michelangelo’s David, the awe-inspiring Botticelli works, the Uffizi (packed to the brim with pieces by Caravaggio and Da Vinci), and, of course, Brunelleschi’s remarkable cupola, the religious heart of Florence, which dominates the skyline. Once these popular tourist favourites have been ticked off, take a stroll around the alluring Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience enthralling views of this beautiful, beguiling city.
Rome, the capital of Italy’s Lazio Region in the central-western part of the peninsula, is a city that remains virtually unrivalled in the sheer volume and diversity of its cultural repertoire. One could spend months here and still only scratch the surface of treasures to be discovered in this phenomenal ancient city. 3000-odd-years of haphazard urban development has resulted in a complex cocktail of art, history, and architecture full of fascinating cultural clashes and contrasts. Classical ruins as well as countless early Christian catacombs and clandestine churches sit alongside (or beneath) magnificent Renaissance palazzos and breathtaking Baroque fountains. This unique combination of a rich historical tapestry interweaved with a thriving and vibrant modern community living life to its fullest as only the Italians can, makes Italy's Eternal City one of the world's most intriguing and inspiring tourist destinations.
